Thiel expressed disappointment that the enthusiasm residents expressed for her during the campaign didn't translate into votes.

"We did a lot of walking and talking and we got a great response, but unfortunately, that wasn't reflected in the numbers," she said. "I am excited that I am going to be on the Board of Selectmen, and I am looking forward to the next two years."

Approximately 38.5 percent of the nearly 9,300 people eligible to participate went to the polls in a town where Republicans outnumber Democrats 2,844 to 1,945 but where the 4,418 unaffiliated voters are nearly as numerous as both parties combined.

Hodge campaigned on a platform stressing his achievements as the town's chief executive, including a stable tax rate, sound financial standing, as evidenced by New Fairfield's Triple A bond rating, and completion of several significant municipal projects.

Thiel, a management consultant who served a single term on the Board of Education after returning four years ago to the town where she grew up, stressed her business experience and organizational abilities as well as her desire to keep New Fairfield an affordable place to live.